Carta Valley, TX with Curtis

[Shaun]

I spent 3 days at Carta Valley with Curtis Keller (Littlefeathe / 7th Age Bowhunting - sponsor) at the end of December and am finally getting around to posting a few pics.

I've hunted several times in the brush country desert of southern TX, and once in the rim rock county along the Pecos in west TX, but this was my first time hunting the hill country. This region runs from NE of San Antonio (the fancy end) to just north of Del Rio (the less tony end).

We met at the town of Carta Valley north and east of Del Rio. Its on the map, but consists of only one building a residence / general store.

[Shaun]

The end of December is not the prime time for bow hunting because it is the last of the deer gun season. Texicans put great stock in their deer with guns and everything gets pretty jumpy by the end. Behind the general store a local was working up the mornings sniper kill.



A few miles of semi private road, bump gates and some steep rock roads and we were at the camp. Not too fancy, but indoor plumbing and comfortable. Just right for hunting.

[Shaun]

We had some cold and rainy weather one day, they needed the rain there. We did some scouting and found lots of game tracks, mouflan, aoudad, lion, hogs and others. This is fine country for glassing and spot & stalk. The vistas are open enough to see but the cover is fine for stalking.



This small by TX standards +_ 600 acres ranch has canyons and lots of cover. When you come down off the tops into the canyons, the visibility is often only 20 yards, just right for stick and string.



Glassing and patience lead to several sightings like these mouflans.

[4runr]

Nice pics Shaun. Lookin forward to some with red stained arras!

[Shaun]

We got in amoungst several species and CK had a couple shots, but no game was brought to bag. There was one particularly memorable moment. Curtis and I had left camp together to scout and set up an evening blind. We were full stalk mode for about a quarter mile, carefully rounding each bend on full alert and walking quietly which takes concentration on the loose rock. We rounded one particular bend and Curtis proceeded to do a primative man reinactment of how a beautifel black buck had jumped his arrow that morning at that spot. Just as he was demonstrating the tucked leg leap of the buck, we both noticed that we had forgotten our hunting mode as we reached the spot and the audience was more than just me. Several mouflan sheep were watching with interest and some appearant confusion from about 60 yards. They did not stay for act two.

CK had a new cast iron set from Christmas and we used it a lot. Here is a picture for Vance, CK preparing cornish hens with all the fixin's in the dutch oven.

[Shaun]

I had a great time as usual hunting with Curtis. This ranch is real easy on the eyes and should be teaming with easier prey in a short time after the gunnies have retired. I really look forward to hunting this spot again, maybe in early March.

I did not come home empty handed. On the flip side I visited another Tradganger met on a previous Texas hunt Ben Saye in KS. He and Shirley Gean extended their hospitality and Ben showed me his osage problem. I helped him out with a little of it, but a return trip with more help and time is planned. SOme of this cluster now resides in Iowa.

[Whip]

Good stuff Shaun!  Been wondering how things went for you.  Sounds like you had another wonderful Texas trip, and a load of sage will probably be apprecited more in the long run than just some more meat in the freezer!  Sounds like a success all the way around.

[IB]

Now that there is a story worthy of a BOOK      

That truly is some GREAT country to spend time with GREAT people in  

[Mr.Vic]

Glad you had a good time down there and good to see you back in Iowa safe and sound...

[Littlefeather]

Ahh, Finally found two minutes to stop by and post. Good to see the pics. I still need to edit my Aoudad, mouflon, and black buck pics. I'd already forgotten about the Mouflon audience we looked up to see watching us as I demonstrated the string "jump" ability of the buck I'd missed. I bet that never happens again. I can still imagine the Mouflon conversation that took place after they ran off! LOL! Good trip! Check your phone messages. I've got some guys you need to take out there for me. CK

[herb haines]

so that is what i will miss . Shaun sure looks like great country and CK you can cook for me any time . that sure looks good --- herb

[Brian Halbleib]

Thanks for sharing the pics Shaun. Seems like forever ago Roger and I were looking for Carta Valley but it was just last August. Looking forward to getting back to Texas in March.

-Brian
www.bowyersjournal.com

[JC]

Thanks for coming back with the pics Shaun, great stuff there.